Pump Settings

Ivorytower2

For those who pump, which setting do you have the pump on? I use the lowest setting on the Medela pump. I tried going one notch higher and it damn near ripped my nipples off. Does anyone use the highest setting? What's the point of the higher settings- to get milk out more quickly or to get more milk?

ashleyb1114

I used to use the lowest setting until it seemed to be less effective. I moved up 2 notches and am getting a better response now. It seems to get more out and a little faster. Any higher is too much for me- hurts too bad.

barbiedoesbaby

I pump on the highest setting. I think it's just a stronger suction so you'll get more milk more quickly. I was panicking one day thinking my supply had dropped but I had forgotten to turn it up. Also just double check you have the right size shield as I've heard it can be extremely painful with the wrong size!

mana8503

I use the highest speed, middle suction. Any higher and it's uncomfortable.

JustCricket

I start off on the lowest setting... and gradually turn it up as the pump session goes on. The higher suction really only lets me pump for less time... which is a life saver since I EP and don't want to spend half my day pumping.

purplestarz

I usually keep it on the highest setting, though the instructional dvd I got with my pump (yes, a dvd lol I made DH watch it too) said to start out at the highest you can stand, then move it back down a little. Honestly I just forget so it stays at the highest setting for me.

doglover31

I put it at the highest that's comfortable for me. I normally use level 5 and I think my pump goes to 8. I do realize that when I use a higher setting the pumping session goes faster.

camichael84

I start with a medium strength suction to get things going, and then up it to a high suction about halfway through. It doesn't really speed up the amount of time I need to pump, but it helps with emptying my breasts completely. I never go higher than I can stand, though. In the hospital the LC told me that pain is not gain with pumping.

Ivorytower2

Wow- Maybe I'll try to turn it a little higher mid-session and see how it goes...

Soogerplum

I start off in the middle somewhere and then almost at the highest. I can get a lot more out quickly and it doesn't hurt me. If it hurts then do what it comfortable to you!

bainidhedub

I start at the highest setting and sometimes have drop it back a little when it ends the letdown mode.

Related question: how do you know if your flange is the right size? I feel like mine might be too big, cause there is a lot more than just nipple getting pulled in there. Looks all messed up when I'm done.

barbiedoesbaby

@bainidhedub‌ - I wondered this as well. The medela shields come with a drawing/diagram but it's still a bit tricky to tell. I had an LC check my size. Might be worth just trying a size down if you are feeling discomfort!